MLB.com Twins beat reporter Rhett Bollinger keeps you up to date on all Twins news

Game 23: Twins lineup vs. Rays

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Right-hander Jason Marquis is missing today’s scheduled start, as he’s back home in New York tending to a family issue.

The Twins haven’t officially announced a starter for the game, but based on the list posted in the clubhouse, closer Matt Capps appears to be the starter.

It’s also an interesting lineup, as Justin Morneau makes his seventh consecutive start at designated hitter with Joe Mauer at first base and Chris Parmelee in right field.

It marks Parmelee’s first start in right this spring, as he also played three innings there as a substitute yesterday. Parmelee does have some experience there, as he’s played right field 282 times in the Minors. For comparison, Parmelee has played first base 323 times in the Minors.

The Twins want to give Parmelee a long look considering his success as a September callup last year and his success so far this spring. He’s hitting .324/.395/.588 with two homers, one double and one triple in 13 Grapefruit League games.

So there remains a chance that Morneau starts the season as designated hitter, which would give Parmelee the opportunity to play first base while also seeing occasional time in right field. It’s still a bit unlikely at this point, but Parmelee starting in right field does add to the intrigue.

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